The Himalayas have long called to me, their snow-draped peaks and deep valleys holding the promise of pristine nature and rare encounters with the avian world. As a woman birdwatcher, I crave destinations where I can connect with nature and pursue my passion for birding. This year, I embarked on a journey to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, a place known for its floral beauty and spiritual significance, but which also hides a treasure trove of birdlife.
The ideal time to visit the Valley of Flowers
The ideal time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from July to early September. During this period, the monsoon rains transform the valley into a vibrant, blooming paradise with over 300 species of alpine flowers carpeting the meadows. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect: –
July:
The valley starts blooming, with early flowers like blue poppies and cobra lilies making their appearance. The landscape is lush and green due to the monsoon rains.
August:
This is considered the peak flowering season. The valley is at its most colorful, with a diverse array of flowers in full bloom. It’s also an excellent time for birdwatching, as the avian activity is abundant.
Early September:
The flowers begin to fade, but the valley is still beautiful, with a mix of greenery and late-blooming species. The weather becomes a bit cooler, and the rains start to subside.
Here is our Day by Day Itinerary of the Valley of Flowers Trek
Day 0:
It is always advisable to arrive at the meeting point a day early and keep a buffer day at the end to account for any unavoidable delays, such as landslides. I took a flight from Dumdum Netaji Subhas International Airport to Dehradun Airport on August 5th. The flight took approximately two hours.
Upon arrival, I booked a cab from the airport’s prepaid taxi center, which cost Rs. 1200 for the 21 km ride to my pre-booked accommodation at Zostel, Tapovan. I had reserved a bed in the women’s dormitory, and luckily, it was vacant for the rest of the day, so I got an entire AC room with great facilities for just Rs. 521. After freshening up, I went out to a nearby café and enjoyed Misi Roti and Palak Dal for lunch, as I love exploring different cuisines
Day 1:
The next day, I checked out from the hotel around 5:30 a.m. and reached our meeting point, which was just opposite Shiv Vila Hotel. It was the Trek the Himalayas office. The journey began with an early morning drive from Rishikesh to Pipalkothi, the base camp for the trek.
The road meandered along the Alaknanda River, offering stunning views of steep valleys and lush forests. Along the way, I spotted a Himalayan Bulbul perched on wires, its distinctive crest giving it a regal appearance. I also saw a Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon from our car, quietly eating fruits from a ficus tree by the roadside.
Day 2:
Govindghat, sitting at around 6,000 feet, was bustling with pilgrims and trekkers. The crisp mountain air and the distant sound of flowing rivers set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.
Trek to Ghangaria from Pulna:
The trek began from Pulna after we took a car from Govindghat to Pulna. Our destination, Ghangaria, located at 10,000 feet, was a 13-kilometer climb through verdant forests and alongside the roaring Pushpavati River. I started our journey around 9:30 a.m., reaching Ghangharia by 6:00 p.m.
The trail, though steep in parts, was rewarding at every turn. I often paused, captivated by the scenery and the bird calls echoing through the forest. One of the more memorable sightings was the colorful Great Barbet, flitting from tree to tree, its vibrant feathers a striking contrast to the greens of the forest. Despite the heavy rain, I saw many birds along the route. The birds seemed quite accustomed to the rain, moving around without hesitation. I spotted many Pink-browed Rosefinches, with the male birds showing off their vibrant pink plumage.
Ghangaria itself was a quaint village nestled in a valley, with simple lodgings catering to trekkers and pilgrims headed to Hemkund Sahib. As evening fell, the village became a serene haven, with the temperature dropping as the mountains cast their long shadows. I spent some time exploring the outskirts of the village, completing my trek. The rainy nature of the environment was beautiful, with lush greenery everywhere.
Bird Species found in Pulna to Ghangharia – (Valley of Flowers Trek)
Traveling time: 6 hr, 30 min
Distance Covered:12.01 K.m
| Species | Count |
| Great Barbet (Psilopogon virens) | 1 |
| Himalayan Woodpecker (Dendrocopos himalayensis) | 2 |
| Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris) | 2 |
| Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) | 2 |
| Tickell’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus affinis) | 2 |
| Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis) | 4 |
| Streaked Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron lineatum) | 3 |
| Bar-tailed Treecreeper (Certhia himalayana) | 2 |
| Dark-sided Flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) | 3 |
| Plumbeous Redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus) | 4 |
| White-capped Redstart (Phoenicurus leucocephalus) | 3 |
| Pink-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus rodochroa) | 8 |
Day 3: The Valley of Flowers Trek
The next morning, I awoke with excitement—it was time to enter the famed Valley of Flowers. We had our packed lunch with us and started our journey around 7:15 a.m., reaching the valley by 11:30 a.m. After registering at the forest checkpoint, we paid the entry fee of Rs. 200 per person for a three-day pass. I carried a non-professional camera, which was allowed without any extra charge. The trail was rugged, with large boulders lining the path, but the forest department had made it accessible for visitors, although not for mules or horses.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its rich diversity of endemic flora, but I was equally captivated by its impressive birdlife. As I trekked into the valley, the landscape transformed into a vibrant display of colors—from deep blues and purples to bright yellows and pinks. The valley was blanketed with flowers like the Blue Poppy. The gentle hum of bees and the fluttering of butterflies filled the air, but soon, my attention was drawn to the songs of birds high in the trees.
The high-pitched calls of the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie echoed from the treetops, while the agile Streaked Laughingthrush darted through the underbrush. I spent the day wandering deeper into the valley, my camera ever-ready to capture the elusive birds that inhabit this area.
The Valley of Flowers unfolded before my eyes like a painter’s masterpiece brought to life. As I entered the valley, a breathtaking panorama of colors stretched as far as the eye could see, with countless blooms carpeting the landscape in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and red. The delicate fragrance of thousands of flowers mingled in the crisp mountain air, creating a natural perfume that was both invigorating and soothing.
Snow-capped peaks framed the valley, their majestic presence contrasting beautifully with the vibrant tapestry below. Gentle streams meandered through the fields, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors and adding a soothing soundtrack to the serene environment. The soft murmur of flowing water combined with the distant songs of birds created a harmonious symphony that resonated with the soul.
Walking along the winding trails, I was mesmerized by the sheer diversity of flora surrounding me. Rare and exotic flowers like the blue poppy and cobra lily stood proudly among a multitude of other species, each contributing to the valley’s ethereal beauty. Butterflies danced gracefully from bloom to bloom, adding flashes of movement and life to the already dynamic scene.
The sky above was a deep, endless blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that cast fleeting shadows over the landscape, enhancing the depth and contrast of colors below. Sunlight filtered through, illuminating the flowers and making them appear almost luminescent against the lush green backdrop.
In that moment, surrounded by such untouched and pristine beauty, time seemed to stand still. The worries and stresses of everyday life melted away, replaced by a profound sense of peace and connection with nature. The Valley of Flowers wasn’t just a feast for the eyes—it was a rejuvenating experience for the mind and spirit, leaving an indelible impression that words can scarcely capture.
Bird Species found in Ghangharia to Valley of Flowers
Traveling time: 4 hr, 30 min
Distance Covered: 6 K.m
| Species | Count |
| Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail (Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus) | 2 |
| Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis) | 5 |
| Streaked Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron lineatum) | 2 |
| Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) | 3 |
| Pink-browed Rosefinch (Carpodacus rodochroa) | 5 |
Day 4: Trek to Hemkund Sahib
On the fourth day, I set out on the challenging trek to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site perched at 15,200 feet. I started my journey around 6:30 a.m., reaching the top by 12:10 p.m.
The climb was steep and physically demanding, but the reward at the top was worth every step. Along the forest trails, I was thrilled to spot birds, as well as the beautiful Bramhakamal and Blue Poppy flowers.
While Hemkund Sahib is primarily a spiritual destination, for me, it also offered another opportunity for birdwatching.
As I rested and enjoyed the Langar at the Gurudwara, the peaceful chants and the thin mountain air created a deep sense of calm within me. It was a moment of spiritual reflection, not just for the pilgrims around me but for myself as well—connecting with the raw beauty of nature at such heights was a profound experience.
I also spotted the Himalayan Pika several times along the trail. The Himalayan Pika is a small, herbivorous mammal that belongs to the family Ochotonidae, which includes other pikas. It is found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, typically between 2,400 and 4,500 meters (about 7,900 to 14,800 feet) above sea level.Pikas are often described as looking like small, tailless rodents, similar to a cross between a rabbit and a hamster. They have round bodies, short limbs, large rounded ears, and no visible tails. The Himalayan Pika has thick fur to help it survive in the cold mountain climates. They are generally grayish-brown in color, which helps them blend in with the rocky environments where they live.
Pikas are also important indicators of climate change, as they are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Rising temperatures and habitat changes can threaten their populations, making them a species of concern for conservationists.
Bird Species found in Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib
Traveling time: 6 hr, 30 min
Distance Covered: 7 K.m
| Species | Count |
| Oriental Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) | 2 |
| Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) | 5 |
| Sulphur-bellied/Tickell’s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus griseolus/affinis) | 2 |
| Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis) | 15 |
| Black-faced Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron affine) | 4 |
| Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii) | 1 |
| Blue Whistling-Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) | 2 |
| Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri) | 2 |
| Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris) | 1 |
| Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis) | 25 |
After returning to the hotel, we all received trek completion certificates from Trek the Himalayas. It was such a sweet gesture from them.
Day 5: Return to Govindghat
The trek back to Govindghat was bittersweet. As I descended from the heights of Hemkund, the landscapes gradually shifted back to the lush forests that I had traversed earlier. I was keenly aware of every bird call, every rustle in the trees – the Himalayas seemed to be bidding me farewell. I managed to catch sight of one last Black-throated Bushtit, a fitting end to my birdwatching journey.
The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib offered me much more than I had expected. While the wildflowers and majestic peaks were awe-inspiring, it was the birds – the quiet watchers of the mountains – that brought me the most joy. Their songs and presence were a reminder of the fragile yet resilient nature of the Himalayas.
This trip was not just a trek or a birdwatching expedition; it was a personal pilgrimage, one where I connected with both nature and myself. As I packed my bags and bid adieu to the mountains, I knew that the Valley of Flowers had left an indelible mark on my heart. It was not just a place to visit but a sanctuary to return to, over and over again.
While returning we have visited Badrinath temple. Our trip was from Rishikesh to Rishikesh. I stayed in Shivpuri and went to Haridwar before returning back to Kolkata.
You May Also Like to Read : Sandakphu Trek Experience
Costing
Trekking Cost: ₹12000
Mule Service: Pulna to Ghangharia and Back – ₹2800/ One side: ₹2000
Helicopter: Govind ghat to Ghangharia ₹3000
Few Contact Details which might help you
Trek Organizers: Trek The Himalayas
Driver Shanti Ji: 9690854136
Hotel Indralok: 9411598975 / 9634706435 ( Pipalkothi)
Double bed room: ₹2000 / Tripple bed room: ₹2500
Kuber Annex hotel-9412407006/7579000833
Hotel Himalayan Holidays 095288 42005
Hotel kuber 096270 06010
Hotel Deepak – 09368517075 (Ghangaria)
Loved revisiting the Valley of Flowers trek from your perspective! Very well written and informative. Great pics and videos. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much. You are an inspiration 🙂